A6-9500 vs Core i5-2515E

CPU

GPU

A6-9500

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2017

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

Core i5-2515E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011

Similar parts

·······

Buy on Amazon

A6-9500 vs Core i5-2515E Performance Spectrum

A6-9500

2 / 2

1,876

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-2515E

2 / 4

1,882

+0.3%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A6-9500 vs Core i5-2515E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-9500 vs Core i5-2515E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-9500

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,876 vs 1,882).
❌Launch MSRP is still $101 MSRP, while Core i5-2515E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-9500 better than Core i5-2515E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-9500 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2515E pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2515E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A6-9500 is the better buy right now. A6-9500 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $101 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2515E is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A6-9500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9500 vs Core i5-2515E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-9500

The A6-9500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $64.

Core i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-9500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2515E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A6-9500 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E — a 41.3% clock advantage for the A6-9500 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A6-9500 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-2515E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9500 scores 1,876 against the Core i5-2515E's 1,882 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2515E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-9500 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2515E.

Feature	A6-9500	Core i5-2515E
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+52%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+40%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1024 kB+300%	256K (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,876	1,882
Geekbench 6 Single	—	530

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-9500 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2515E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the A6-9500 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2515E — the A6-9500 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-9500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9500) vs 16 (Core i5-2515E) — the Core i5-2515E offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM4 (A6-9500) and HM65,QM67 (Core i5-2515E).

Feature	A6-9500	Core i5-2515E
Socket	AM4	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (A6-9500) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2515E). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon R5 (A6-9500) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2515E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	A6-9500	Core i5-2515E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	AMD Radeon R5	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-9500 was priced at $101, while the Core i5-2515E came in at $0. On launch pricing ($101 vs $0), Core i5-2515E was $101 cheaper.

Feature	A6-9500	Core i5-2515E
MSRP	$101	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	18.6	—
Release Date	2017	2011

Search A6-9500 on Amazon

Search Core i5-2515E on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.